Expert Opinions

This political season has been focused primarily on the Presidential Election, and key initiatives that impact the quality of our lives as citizens in the State of California. Have you ever seen an election ad for a judge? Do even know that State Court Judges are voted on every two years? Nothing impacts our lives on a more regular basis than those we elect to put on a judicial bench. We anticipate that when we walk through the doors to the hallow halls of justice, we will be greeted by a kind, fair and unbiased legal professional. One who will listen to the facts, refrain from assumptions, discipline their bias, and rule based on the law. But that is not what we have in California; and it within the power of each and every one of us to change that.

If a judge runs unopposed in the primary, they do not even appear on the ballot; they are automatically elected to the bench. If they are opposed, the candidate receiving more than 50% automatically is elected; the only time we actually get to vote is when neither candidate receives 50% of the vote, and then both are placed on the ballot for voters to select. Currently there are 9 contested judicial positions throughout the state. Alameda, Kern, Los Angeles, Marin, San Bernardino, and San Francisco Counties all have contested elections for different benches. My recommendation is if you live in one of those counties PAY ATTENTION to who is running, and vote for the individual that has a body of work that demonstrates they are fair and unbiased.